Former Prison Could Become Student Housing

Canterbury Christ Church University has hinted it may transform the former HMP Canterbury into student accommodation.

The prison formerly housed some of the country's most notorious criminals, including East End gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray.

In its heyday, it was home to 400 prisoners, but was closed by the Ministry of Justice in 2013. The purchase of the site saw the university inherit a complex that included three wings, a chapel, gym and a library.

University bosses have now indicated that the site could be transformed into student accommodation, although at present a review is being undertaken to assess the sites viability.

Although its final use is somewhat unclear, the site will be incorporated into the university's ambitious £150 million expansion masterplan. Documents previously submitted to the city council suggested the building could be used to host lecture spaces as well as a museum.